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1.0 asbestos

DeScription Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in many building materials as an acoustic insula-tor, a fire resistant material, a binder, and a thermal insulator. It is present in hundreds of building products including pipe and duct insulation on heating systems, in sealers on heat-ing boilers, in roofing products, siding, stucco, plaster, drywall compound (spackle), paneling, ceiling tiles, floor tiles and sheet goods, wall and attic insulation, and in asbestos-cement (Transite) pipe. This list is by no means complete.

the concern The very small asbestos fibers can cause cancer and other types of lung disease if inhaled. The fibers are so small and light that if released into the air, they may float for several days. They are not collected by furnace filters or conventional vacuum cleaners.

Asbestos is considered dangerous only when “friable”. This means that the material contain-ing asbestos is broken, has ragged edges, or is otherwise in a state where the fibers may be released into the air. In most building products, asbestos isn’t normally friable. However, demolition or renovation work can disturb asbestos-containing materials, causing the asbestos fibers to be released into the air.

iDentification Asbestos can only be identified by laboratory analysis. Therefore its identification is beyond the scope of a home inspection. The vast majority of homes contain some asbestos. As discussed, this is not a problem unless it is friable. There are firms in most centers that special-ize in identification of asbestos, and in taking corrective action where necessary.

What can In the majority of cases, doing nothing is the best approach. Where there is a risk of fibers Be Done being released into the air, the asbestos-containing material can be isolated from the rest of

the house through enclosure or encapsulation. Alternatively, the material can be removed. The latter is the most expensive, since care must be taken not to release fibers into the home, and because disposal of asbestos-containing materials is controlled in many areas.

home Since most home improvements involve some demolition, additional costs may be incurred improvement where asbestos containing materials are suspected. This would apply to such things as boiler coStS replacement, re-roofing, re-siding, flooring replacement, and gutting of interiors, for

example.

not for the Corrective actions related to asbestos should not be undertaken by the homeowner, as a Do-it-your- general rule. Guidance is available from the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. and Selfer from Provincial Ministries of Labour, Occupational Health and Safety Divisions in Canada.

This section deals with some issues that are beyond the scope of a professional home inspection. This information is provided as a courtesy overview only, and is general in nature. More infor-mation is available from specialists in these areas.

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2.0 radon

DeScription Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. Radon is a product of the decay of uranium. The decay of uranium to lead is a 14-step process. Radon is formed at the sixth step. It is unique because it is the first decay product that is a gas, not a solid.

the concern The radon gas itself is not a problem but its decay products are. The radioactive decay products are particles that can attach themselves to lung tissue when radon gas is inhaled. It is primarily the alpha radiation that causes lung cancer. In the United States, it is estimated that over 20,000 deaths are caused every year by radon gas. As with cigarette smoking, the risk is higher with greater exposure. The effects are long term rather than immediate.

Where it iS Uranium is present in many parts of the earth’s crust. Areas subject to high radon gas levels founD have appreciable concentrations of uranium in the earth and cracks or porous soils through

which the gas can migrate up to the surface.

hoW it GetS Radon escaping into the air is not a problem, since it is diluted quickly. In buildings, however, into houSeS radon gas can be trapped, particularly during winter months when doors and windows are

kept closed and ventilation is at a minimum. It is difficult to predict which buildings will have a problem.

Radon enters the building through cracks in basement floors and walls, openings around pipes and electrical services into the basement, through water supplies, and through basement floor drains, for example. Even in areas with high concentrations in the earth, one building may have very high radon levels and a similar building across the street may have very low levels.

teStinG There are several types of detectors available for testing radon levels in buildings. A charcoal canister can be used to absorb radon from the air. There are etch detectors that use a sensitive plastic surface. The radon will leave tracks or etchings on the plastic, which can be measured. There are filtering systems where air is pumped through a filter. There are also grab-sample testers that allow for short term testing by simply taking an air sample. Some of the test procedures require laboratory analysis.

The identification of radon gas in a home is not part of a standard home inspection.

In the U.S., any radon levels above 4 picoCuries/liter bring a recommendation for remedial action. In Canada, the action level is 200 Bequerels per cubic meter (5.4 picoCuries per liter). Since radon levels in a building can vary at different times of the day and seasons of the year, longer testing times are better. Winter testing is generally considered more reliable than sum-mer testing.

There are several techniques used to lower radon levels in houses. They include sealing holes to prevent radon gas getting into houses, pressurizing basements or crawl spaces to keep the gas out, and adding pipes below basement floors to carry radon away from the home. Guid-ance is available from the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. and from Health and Welfare Canada, Environmental Radiation Hazards Division, Canada.


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3.0 urea formaldehyde foam insulation (uffi)

DeScription Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) became popular as a residential retrofit insulation in the mid-1970s. UFFI was banned in Canada in December 1980 because of the suspected health hazards. In the United States it was banned in 1982, then the ban was lifted.

Different colors and textures of UFFI are variable; however, it can be distinguished from other insulating foams by its frail, crumbly structure and powdery residue. Positive identification can only be made through laboratory testing. Because UFFI is a highly expandable foam, it was used to insulate hard to reach areas. Holes were typically drilled in exterior walls or ceilings and the material injected from the outside. Although it is sometimes possible to see plugged application holes on the exterior, a new siding material, ivy, or even paint can hide evidence of application. Occasionally, UFFI was injected from inside the building, in which case its application is typically disguised by interior finishes.

inSpection Some specialists look for UFFI by drilling holes in wall cavities and performing air quality testing. This is not always conclusive. Some maintain that only with the removal of all interior finishes can one say that there is no foam in the building. For this reason, the identification of UFFI is beyond the scope of a professional home inspection.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (1-800-638-CPSC or www.cpsc.gov) can provide additional information. A UFFI information booklet can be obtained by contacting Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at 1-613-748-2000 or on the web at www.cmhc.ca.

4.0 lead

DeScription Lead is a naturally occurring element in the soil. Soil also collects lead from the air and other sources.

in Water Lead is also a natural constituent of drinking water. Lead pipe was used in many houses up to the 1950s as the water service line from the street. Lead was also a component of solder for copper pipes until the 1980s. To a lesser extent, lead can also be found in some plumbing fixtures.

Although initially there may be relatively high concentrations of lead in supply piping contain-ing lead solder or in lead service lines, over the years, a build-up of lead oxide on the inside pipe surface reduces contamination. In December 1992, the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protec-tion Agency) action level for lead in drinking water was changed to 15 parts per billion from a first draw off a fixture. As a precautionary measure, residents can run the plumbing fixtures for two to three minutes before drinking the water in order to clear out water that was in contact with the pipes for a long period of time.

In Canada, the action level is 10 parts per billion, but from a fully flushed fixture. In older houses that may have lead in the pipes, flushing the pipes may be desirable, if the water has been at rest for more than 5 to 8 hours. Hot tap water should not be used for drinking or cook-ing because hot water leaches lead from the pipes or solder joints.

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in paint For the typical homeowner, the highest risk of exposure to lead is from paint. Lead was used extensively for pigmentation and as a drying agent in oil-based paints until the early 1950s. Except for a small number of cases, lead was not added to latex paints. Most manu-facturers used other substances for pigmentation after the early 1950s; however, lead was still used as a drying agent. Exterior paints contained the highest levels: up to 60 or 70 percent lead by weight.

Currently, the majority of paints on the market conform to U.S. standards, which do not allow lead to be added. The U.S. government banned indoor leaded paint in the 1970s. It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that the Canadian government set a limit of 5,000 parts per million of lead for interior paints. No limit was set on exterior paints.

Some estimates suggest that lead is present in roughly 75% of American homes.

the concern Young children, especially those under the age of four, often play on the floor, touching things that may contain lead particles. Children tend to put their hands in their mouths, which may mean they are ingesting lead. Children absorb lead more easily than adults because their metabolism is faster. Children are particularly vulnerable up to the age of six. Lead affects the child’s nervous system by slowing development. These effects may be irreversible and include hearing impairment, behavioral problems and reduced intelligence.

The signs of lead poisoning are difficult to distinguish from normal child-like complaints and children may show no symptoms at all. When they do, the symptoms can be flu-like: stomach cramps, irritability, loss of appetite and general fatigue. Since these symptoms are so general, it’s best not to rely solely on them as indicators of lead.

Pregnant women should not be exposed to lead, as it can interfere with development of the fetus.

For other adults, short term exposure to lead may cause temporary illness (upset stomach, headaches, etc), but the effects are not permanent. However, long term or acute exposure can cause serious health problems for adults, such as permanent kidney, nerve, hearing and vision damage.

leaD Detection The guideline is if the house was built before 1980, there could be some lead paint on the interior or exterior of the house. If the house was built before 1950, it almost certainly will.

In order to verify whether or not lead-based paint is present in the house, relatively inexpen-sive testing kits are available. Studies have shown that these kits are not always accurate.

More reliable detection of lead paint can be undertaken by properly trained professionals.

Testing for lead paint in the house prior to remodeling need only be done if the work is to include the removal of paint, or if there are considerable amounts of peeling and flaking paint.


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StrateGieS for All methods of removing lead paint can be dangerous. This includes heat stripping, sanding, removal of scraping and the use of chemical strippers. Any time you remove lead paint, there is a risk of leaD paint creating lead dust. The finer the lead dust, the more easily it is absorbed into your system.

Removal of lead paint is not a job for the homeowner. Hiring a contractor to do the work is strongly recommended. The contractor should ensure: 1. Family members are protected from lead dust during the removal process. 2. Family members’ belongings are protected so they are not contaminated with lead dust. 3. The contractor should conduct a thorough clean-up following the work. This clean-up

should include vacuuming with a high efficiency particle accumulator (HEPA) vacuum.

encapSulation If the condition of the interior plaster or drywall is poor, covering or enclosing the lead paint can be considered. This involves covering the original surfaces with drywall, heavy wallpaper (such as vinyl) or paneling. Liquid epoxy encapsulants that can be painted over lead paint are available. Some of these contain a bitter tasting additive to discourage children putting their mouths on the surfaces.

If the existing surface is in good shape, then repainting with a lead-free paint can be consid-ered. However, some modern paints may not adhere well to old lead-based paints without wall preparation. If the surface is one that may be chewed by children (lead tastes sweet), repainting may not be sufficient.

5.0 carbon monoxide

DeScription Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. It is a by-product of combustion of gas, propane and oil burning appliances. (It is actually a by-product of incomplete combustion, but com-bustion is rarely complete.)

the concern When you inhale carbon monoxide, it is absorbed into your body the same way as oxygen. It replaces the oxygen on the hemoglobin in your blood, depriving your body of oxygen. The result is an increased heart rate as your heart tries to get more oxygen to your brain and other vital organs.

The symptoms of long term exposure to low concentrations are slight headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath with only moderate exertion. Continued exposure or high concentrations can result in severe headaches, breathing difficulties, dizziness, confusion, cardiac trauma, brain damage and ultimately, death.

action If you sense any of the above symptoms, move immediately to fresh air. Unconscious victims should be moved outdoors. Call for medical assistance and until it arrives, keep those exposed lying down and keep them warm by wrapping them in blankets. Rest is absolutely necessary. Those exposed should not be allowed to walk for several hours after regaining consciousness. If breathing has ceased, artificial respiration should be undertaken immediately.

riSk reDuction To help reduce the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide, fuel burning appliances should be inspected annually by a qualified technician. Gas burning equipment that is not properly adjusted often has a flickering yellow flame as opposed to a steady blue flame. If you see this, call a qualified service person.

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One of the major causes of carbon monoxide build up in the home is poor draft from fuel burning appliances. This means that the products of combustion are not being safely carried outside through a chimney or vent, and are backing up into the house.

A simple test such as holding a match to the edge of the draft hood on a water heater or a furnace will give an indication of draft. It is common for some products of combustion to leak into the basement when a piece of equipment starts. Good draft should be established after a minute or so and a lit match will be drawn into the exhaust flue rather than being blown downwards or out into the room.

When products of combustion cannot escape from the house, moisture builds up in the exhaust flue and ultimately in the house itself. Look for rusting on flue pipes, furnaces and water heaters, and for water leaking from the base of the chimney. Look for moisture condensing on windows and in extreme cases, on walls near the furnace.

Detection In addition to having your fuel burning appliances inspected once a year, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can be installed in each room where there is a fuel burning appliance. In ad-dition, CO detectors can be installed near sleeping areas. Much like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors can be wired directly into the home’s electrical system or they can be battery operated. Also, like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly.

If a CO detector does go off, immediately open doors and windows to ventilate the house. If anyone is experiencing flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Turn off the appliance if you know the source. Reset the alarm. Don’t go back into the home until the alarm indicates there is no longer a problem. Never ignore an alarm even if you feel no symptoms.

6.0 mold

DeScription Mold is a common term for a large family of fungi that have a cottony or woolly appearance. There are nearly a million species of mold. Mold is a naturally occurring organism that has been around far longer than humans. Mold grows in buildings where there is moisture, air, a food source, and when the temperature is between 40 and 140 degrees F. When conditions for growth are not met, mold becomes dormant; it does not die. Mold spreads by dispersing spores through the air as well as by growth on or within building materials.

molD SporeS People sometimes tell us that they don’t have mold in their home. We ask what happens if are everyWhere they leave bread in a drawer for a month or don’t take out the garbage for two weeks. This

helps them understand that no matter how clean they keep their home, mold spores are always there ready to grow on any favorable host. There are always mold spores in the air and there is always some mold in buildings, so having an objective of a “mold-free home” is not realistic.


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concern Mold spores are present in the air in every building, but this is not necessarily a reason for alarm. If indoor air mold levels are higher than in outdoor air, or if a significant mold colony is growing on building surfaces or in building walls or ceilings, there may be a cause for concern.

Mold risk falls into three broad categories: 1. Some mold is harmless, a cosmetic nuisance. 2. Some mold is allergenic to some people, in much the same way some people are allergic

to peanut butter or shellfish. 3. Toxic mold is dangerous for everyone, although young people, old people, and people with

respiratory problems or compromised immune systems are most vulnerable.

Media articles about “black mold,” especially Stachybotrys, have terrified some people. Actu-ally it is common to find black Stachybotrys chartarum in small amounts in houses where there has been leakage or water entry. It is a toxic mold and it should be removed. But don’t assume that anything black on the wall or ceiling is highly toxic mold. Other common black species may be of low or no toxicity.

People may react to mold spores alone. There does not always have to be a visible growth to cause problems for sensitive people.

you can’t tell You cannot tell what kind of mold you are dealing with by looking at it. Competent identi- By lookinG fication is important. An expert, trained in microscopic identification of a cultured sample of

mold, can usually determine its identity. It is not reliable to judge with the naked eye, or on mold color.

Home test kits are not reliable. The swab, culture, settlement dish, or air sample methods from these kits are fundamentally inaccurate: for example, the spores collected and “grown” in culture using these methods could be dead, fail to grow on the culture medium, and still be toxic if inhaled.

keepinG molD Although mold is needed and always with us, we want to keep mold in its place, preferably in itS place outdoors. While we will always have some spores in our homes, the goal is to keep the spores

from growing to problem levels.

prevention iS Four things have to be present to have a mold growth: the key 1. Mold spores

2. A food source. This is wood or gypsum board, or that old bread in your bread box. 3. Temperatures between 40° and 140°F 4. A moisture source.

So, how do we control mold growth? 1. We have said that mold spores are everywhere. 2. Food sources are present in every home. 3. People are not comfortable in their homes at temperatures below 40° or above 140° F, so

this is no help. 4. The only thing left is moisture. The best way to prevent mold from growing is to control

moisture. We want to control moisture levels in homes for other reasons anyway.

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moiSture Sources of moisture in homes include: SourceS 1. Leaks into or through roofs, walls, door, windows, basements, etc. The leaks that come

through usually get corrected quickly. Slow or intermittent leaks that are concealed in walls, for example, often don’t get corrected because they are not noticed.

2. Leaks from plumbing or heating systems. 3. High humidity from cooking, bathing, etc., resulting in condensation. 4. Air conditioning systems, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, sump pits and other places where

moisture is commonly present.

GettinG riD of The first step in dealing with a mold problem is identification. If the mold is determined to a molD proBlem be harmless, it’s time to get out the soap and water. If you or any other member of the house-

hold is sensitive to mold, or if the mold is determined to be harmful, a specialist should be engaged to clean up the mold.

Once we get rid of the mold, the next step is to remove the moisture source that allowed the mold to grow. Curing leaks, improving drainage and drying things up are important steps in controlling mold.

maintenance Don’t forget to clean your refrigerator, including gaskets, coils, and evaporator tray. Regular iS important furnace and air conditioning service will help ensure that standing water or chronic moisture

is not an issue. Gutters and downspouts should be kept clear and leaks should be corrected.

finDinG molD Mold comes in many colors and may be visible and distinct. It can also be very subtle. Mold on a surface may be the tip of an iceberg, with considerable mold concealed behind the wall, for example. In other cases, the mold is only on the surface. The toughest situation is when the mold is entirely out of sight. The best clues to look for are areas susceptible to mold, such as high moisture areas.

BeyonD Scope As with other environmental issues, finding and identifying mold is outside the scope of a of a home home inspection. inSpection

7.0 household pests

DeScription Household pests can range from insects to mice, bats and raccoons. Pests are often not identi-fied during a professional home inspection.

inSectS Some insect infestations are chronic and long-term. Other insects may infest an area for a single season and never be seen again.

roDentS Rodents can be very destructive and can pose a threat to human health. Rodents will chew or gnaw on almost anything, particularly at night. Many fires have been caused by rodents chewing on electrical wiring. Food and food supplies can become contaminated when rodents come into contact with them. Flea infested rodents can introduce fleas to a pet or a dwelling. Once a population is established, it may be hard to control.

iDentification Rodents can be detected by visual sightings, droppings, and noise or by chewing damage to wooden structures, pipes, clothes and food. Insects are generally detected by visual sightings, or damaged wood, for example.


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8.0 termites and carpenter ants

8.1 Subterranean termites

DeScription Termites are by far the most serious insect that can attack the home, since they are the only insects that actually consume the wood. Subterranean termites are found throughout the U.S. and in the southern parts of some Canadian provinces.

colonieS Subterranean termites live in a sophisticated social colony in the soil, not in the wood. In colder climates, their colonies are usually located below the level of frost penetration, and are typically close to some moisture source. When termites travel, they do so by moving through wood, soil or shelter tubes that they construct. Termites will not expose themselves to the open air, as their bodies can dry out very quickly.

Shelter tuBeS Shelter tubes are very small tunnels that the termites build across any open surface they want to travel. The shelter tubes are made of earth, debris, and a material they excrete that acts as a binder to hold the tubes together. These tubes are typically sandy in color and can readily be broken open by hand. An initial tube may be less than one 1/4 inch in width, although several tubes can be built together over time, and the entire grouping may be one or two inches wide.

colony A colony is usually made up of the larvae nymphs, reproductives, soldiers, and workers. As memBerS their names suggest, the soldiers’ function is to protect the colony. The workers build the

shelter tubes, tunnel through the earth, and collect the food. The workers are the ones that damage houses.

WorkerS The workers are whitish and usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. They resemble small ants, al-though this is somewhat academic, since one will never see a termite roaming about a house. The workers enter the wood and consume it, in very small quantities of course. The wood is partially digested, taken back to the colony and regurgitated to feed the other members.

Since termites do not like to be exposed to the air, they will typically eat through the inside of a piece of wood, often following the grain. They tend to eat in parallel galleries, and leave a smooth honey-combed appearance on the inside of the wood. Termites will eat any kind of wood, although damp or rotted wood is slightly easier for them to break down. Termites need a regular supply of moisture, and workers return to the colony every 24 to 48 hours.

fraSS A small amount of frass is usually found inside the damaged wood. These are small gray flecks, and are different than the powdery wood (sawdust) generated by carpenter ants. Carpen-ter ants will tend to push the wood debris out of the tunnels, while termites consume this material.

neW colonieS New colonies can be started by less than 50 insects, and termites are typically moved by the relocation of infested wood or soil. Moving firewood or relocating a shrub or tree can carry a termite infestation to a new area. The natural movement of a colony is very slow, although splinter colonies can break off from the main colony and establish themselves anew.

Barrier type chemical treatments are deterrents, and very few insects are killed during a chemical treatment. The colony simply finds a new source of food and may remain where it is or relocate slightly.

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SiGnS The mud-like shelter tubes are usually the first indication. The second indication is usually damaged wood, although damage may remain concealed for some time.

riSk reDuction Minimizing the risk of termites includes breaking wood/soil contact and avoiding accumula-tion of wood scraps around the outside of the house. The dryer the soil is, the less likely a termite colony will become established. Wet areas should be dried out to prevent this from happening. Good control of rainwater running off roofs and good drainage of surface water are important. Crawl spaces and areas under porches can be kept dry with good ventilation.

termite Termite treatment should be performed by a licensed pest control professional. There are two treatment main approaches, baiting and barriers. In a barrier system, a chemical pesticide is injected

around the foundation. Termites are either killed or repelled by the barrier. In a bait system, the pesticide is placed in bait stations. Termites bring the slow-acting pesticide back to the colony, where it can kill many more of the insects.

Break WooD/ It is important to remove any wood/soil contact in termite prone areas, even if chemical treat- Soil contact ment is undertaken. There should be at least six inches between any wood and soil, both

inside the building and out.

Areas of typical wood/soil contact include crawlspaces, porches, stoops, decks, steps, base-ment windows, window wells, posts, walls, and basement staircases.

concealeD Wherever termite activity or termite treatment is found, there is the possibility of damage WooD DamaGe to the home. If none is visible, it may be difficult to know whether damage is concealed or

has been repaired. Without disassembling the house, this is impossible to verify. The building should be monitored for sagging structural components, floor springiness or other signs of structural weakness. It is not unusual for termites to attack a house, moving through the floor and wall systems up into the attic. Wood damage may occur a considerable distance from the point of attack in the basement. It is not usually possible to see the extent of termite damage, since termites move through the center of wood members, trying not to go through the outer edges.

8.2 Drywood termites

Drywood termites inhabit the southern United States and the coastal areas of California. Drywood termites are occasionally introduced into other areas through wooden furniture or other wooden objects brought from the southern U.S., Caribbean and even Asia, Africa and Australia. These termites infest utility poles, fence posts, trees, and structures (primarily around perimeter areas and where wood joins other wood).

characteriSticS Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites;a) Do not require soil to build their nests, and do not bring soil into the chambers.b) Do not construct shelter tubes out of soil (although some species will cement fecal pellets

together to bridge a gap in the wood).c) Cut across the grain of un-decayed, dry wood to excavate large chambers.


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Detection Fecal matter and other debris (called frass) is stored in unused chambers or pushed out of small kick holes. These holes are often protected by the soldier caste or blocked off by hard-ened debris. The fecal pellets are hard, six-sided and concave. Piles of these pellets may be found on window sills or beneath other infested surfaces. Other detection methods include a) Sounding the wood for cavities.b) Looking for evidence of shed wings.c) Looking for blistered wood on surfaces where galleries are close to the top.d) Probing wood to discover live termites.e) Using a stethoscope to hear activity within the galleries.

Damage is often not as extensive as subterranean termites due to smaller colony sizes.

control Control is achieved by removal of the damaged wood, and the addition of heat, electrical current, or insecticide injected into the nest and galleries. Tenting and fumigation is used where the infestation is large or the nest is difficult to isolate.

8.3 Dampwood termites

Most dampwood termites are found tropically worldwide, however, some inhabit deserts. In the United States, they are primarily west of the Rocky Mountains, extending down into California. One species is found in British Columbia.

characteriSticS Dampwood termites prefer nesting in decayed wood or wood with a high moisture content and will sometimes infest tree roots. They do not require soil to live. The galleries are not kept clean, containing numerous six-sided, concave fecal pellets. A few pellets are discarded from openings in the wood. Some species infest structures, primarily in areas that are poorly main-tained as a result of water exposure or wood/soil contact. Moisture control is the primary key to preventing and eliminating dampwood termite infestations.

8.4 carpenter ants

Carpenter ants are typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, often black or dark brown. Carpenter ants and the other insects mentioned do not actually consume the wood, but make their nests in it.

The amount of structural damage these pests do is very limited, although elimination can be tricky.

Conventional pesticides are used and, with carpenter ants, the nest has to be treated. In cases where the nest cannot be located, the entire building is treated. Carpenter ants like kitchen areas, because of the food. They also are frequently found in damp areas. Rotting wood or wood below leaky windows, roofs, or plumbing fixtures are favored nesting spots. The nest may be in floors, cupboards, doors or frames, window sills, porches, etc., out of sight.

Carpenter ants are not always active, and may not be noted on a one-time inspection. Seeing one or two ants does not necessarily mean an infestation, but this should be watched.

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